A pub has axed live music after 20 years following a noise complaint – prompting scores of supporters to back the venue.

But the Fleur De Lis in Sandwich hopes to iron out the “ridiculous” wrinkles before striking an agreement to ensure performers will tread the boards again.

Landlord Richard Harris said he would rather lose a weekend of live music than risk a permanent ban before meeting with the authorities.

“We've had to take a decision to cancel live music this weekend due to complaints from a resident in Sandwich.

“We are at risk of a Noise Abatement order being placed onto our premises in the immediate future, so, until we can meet with our legal team and relevant councils next week, we do not want to take the risk of further action being caused due to a complaint.

“We all understand that this is ridiculous and that we've always had live music and we always have security to offer support to customers and help ensure noise is controlled.

“However, right now, I would rather lose one weekend of live music than potentially lose all live music.”

"We do not want to take the risk of further action being caused due to a complaint."

Mr Harris added the bands booked this weekend will still be paid, however, the complaint has forced him to cancel Oktoberfest.

The announcement triggered 150 comments on Facebook, with the lion’s share in support of the venue.

“As a local business and your neighbour, the No Name Shop fully supports you.

“The Delf Street Party was an amazing success and great fun, and you made that happen, just a real shame certain individual(s) see the need to spoil the joy a live music venue,” Dave Scudder said.

Others deemed it unfair when residents who move next to a music venue launch complaints.

“They need to realise that they should have thought it through before moving to a town that plays live music, and has done for a long time,” Michelle Rogers said.

The traditional pub in Delf Street, which also has guest rooms, has played live music for about 25 years, it is understood.

Dover District Council said a breach of a noise abatement notice could attract an unlimited fine.

“If a statutory nuisance is proved to exist, we will serve a noise abatement notice on the offender,” a spokesman said.

“If noise continues, and we have enough evidence, we can initiate a prosecution and, in some cases, seize the noise making equipment.

“The maximum penalty on summary conviction for breach of a notice is £5,000 relating to domestic premises and an unlimited fine for commercial premises.”